Neat-o pleat-o.

Derek Lam, Spring/Summer 2011

Rachel Roy, Spring/Summer 2011

From accordion-folded midi styles to schoolgirl-evoking minis, it’s clear that the detail of choice for this season’s skirts is the pleat. Coming after seasons of vampy, glammy pencil-thin and fuller styles, the new pleated skirts hit a refreshing note of understated sophistication. We love the floaty, silky-looking knife-pleated versions at Derek Lam and  Rachel Roy.

Love the look but don’t want the extra bulk? Choose a skirt with pleats along the bottom or a cleaner box-pleated style. You can also pick a darker shade and pair with a lighter coloured top in a sleek, lightweight shape to balance out your proportions. You already know that knee-length skirts are generally more flattering than mid-calf ones, but did you know you can minimize the bulking effect of a longer pleated skirt by layering a long, fitted sweater over top? We love the look of some sharper pleats knifing out from a clean hemline, especially with some bold accessories.

What’s in the stores now:

Pleated Bow Skirt, $59.60, Gap

Pleated Wool A-Line Skirt, Miu Miu, $670, Net-A-Porter

Cotton Twill Box Pleat Skirt, $9.97, Old Navy

Merino Wool Pleated Skirt, $89.25, Talbots

Midnight Foil Skirt, $107.99, Modcloth